Adding value lists to properties

Adding value lists to properties can make querying and data entry easier for end users. Value lists define the values that can be stored or selected for a property.

There are three ways of adding value lists to properties:

1.  Use IQA (see Defining property values using IQA) to query the values from an object within the database, e.g. General Look Up tables or CsActivityTypes.

2.  Use a Finder (see Defining property values using a Finder) option to search for records within the database.

3.  Manually add (see Adding properties to business objects) the codes and expansions to the property within the business object.

In many ways, using IQA to manage value lists is the most flexible and user friendly way to manage a look up. Values can be added to look up tables and to the modules within iMIS. Interfaces can be modified by adding values to a table that otherwise would not be available to users. These interfaces can be accessed by users who do not have the SysAdmin role access in iMIS. Value lists that are managed within the business object can only be managed through the BOD.

To build a value display manually

The Business Object Designer allows for value displays to be built directly within the object itself.

1.  From Tools > Business object designer, select your object from the list and click Edit.

2.  On the Properties tab, select the property that needs values and select the Values sub-tab.

3.  Select the Value List radio button.

4.  Build your value list by entering the Code into the Data Value property and the Expanded Description for the Code into the Display Value.

5.  Click Save and Publish. Any messages should state that there are no errors.

6.  Test your changes by writing a query against the object, selecting the property on the Filters tab, and confirming that it now includes a Value list.